Murder of Fiona Pender

Gardaí at Portlaoise Garda Station are re-appealing for information into the disappearance of 25 year old Fiona Pender who was last seen in August 1996.

Fiona was living at Church Street, Tullamore in a flat that she shared with her partner.

She was 25 years old and seven and a half months pregnant. Fiona’s family were looking forward to the arrival of her baby following the tragic death of her older brother Mark, the previous year. 

Fiona was a native of Tullamore and grew up in Connolly Park, in the town, with her parents Sean and Josephine, her older brother Mark and younger brother John. Fiona was well known in Tullamore and had worked as a model and a hairdresser in the locality. 

Garda Appeal: 

• An extensive Garda investigation was undertaken and a large amount of searches were conducted in surrounding areas through the years, but unfortunately no trace of Fiona has been found.
• While arrests were made in relation to this case, unfortunately charges were never brought. Gardaí are seeking information that would help in bringing the person(s) responsible for her death to justice.
• Fiona’s family were greatly affected by the disappearance of Fiona and her mother Josephine, who campaigned for years for justice for her daughter, sadly passed away in 2017 without having Fiona’s body returned to her. Fiona’s father Sean died in 2000 not knowing what had happened to his daughter.
• Since Fiona’s disappearance 25 years ago circumstances may have changed and perhaps there is someone who has information who didn’t feel comfortable coming forward previously but is now in a position to do so.
• An Garda Síochána would like to reassure any person who feels that they can assist with the investigation that any information received will be treated in a compassionate and sensitive manner. 

Gardaí at Portlaoise Garda Station are investigating tel: (057) 867 4100